By William Butler Yeats
Korean dramas are very popular around the world, especially in China. But sometimes these shows also create controversy. Recently, the new Korean drama Tempest and its star actress Jun Ji Hyun have faced strong criticism from Chinese netizens. The reason? Some viewers believe the drama includes anti-China content.
This issue has become a hot topic online, spreading quickly on social media platforms. Let’s take a closer look at what happened, why people are angry, and what it could mean for the drama industry. Official Website
What is Tempest About?
Tempest is a Korean drama released in 2025. It tells the story of political struggles, power games, and secret deals inside government circles. The drama gained a lot of attention because Jun Ji Hyun, one of Korea’s most famous actresses, plays the lead role.
However, what started as excitement soon turned into criticism. Chinese audiences noticed certain dialogues and scenes that they believe mock or target China. Some even accused the drama of spreading a negative image of Chinese culture and politics.
Why Are Chinese Netizens Angry?
The anger mainly comes from a few points raised by online communities:
- Suspicious Storylines – Some say parts of the plot show Chinese officials or businessmen in a negative light.
- Political Undertones – Critics feel that the show uses fictional stories to attack China indirectly.
- Cultural Misrepresentation – Certain cultural references were seen as disrespectful or misleading.
- International Tensions – Since China and Korea already have sensitive political issues, many viewers feel the drama is adding fuel to the fire.
As a result, hashtags about Tempest and Jun Ji Hyun trended on Weibo, China’s largest social media platform. Many fans even called for a boycott of the drama and its cast.
Impact on Jun Ji Hyun’s Image
Jun Ji Hyun is one of the most loved Korean actresses in China. She gained huge fame from dramas like My Love from the Star and Legend of the Blue Sea.
But this controversy has hurt her reputation. Some Chinese viewers are now questioning whether she supports the drama’s “anti-China” themes. Others argue that she is simply an actress and should not be blamed for the script.
Still, when an actor is linked to political or cultural disputes, it can damage their popularity in important markets like China.
The Business Side of the Drama Industry
China is one of the biggest markets for Korean dramas. Many production houses rely on international streaming rights and fan bases in China. If a drama gets banned or boycotted, it can lose millions of dollars.
That is why controversies like this are taken very seriously by producers, actors, and sponsors. Already, some Chinese streaming platforms have reportedly stopped promoting Tempest. Advertisers also seem hesitant to attach their brands to a drama facing political criticism. Chinese Netizens
Reactions in Korea
In South Korea, the response is quite different. Many Korean fans defend the drama, saying it is a work of fiction and not aimed at any country. They argue that freedom of expression should be respected, and no drama should be censored based on assumptions.
Critics in Korea believe that the controversy shows how sensitive cultural and political issues have become in international entertainment. Chinese Netizens
A Look at Similar Cases
This is not the first time such an issue has happened. In the past, other Korean dramas and films have also been accused of having anti-China or pro-Japan content, leading to boycotts. Sometimes the controversy fades quickly, but other times it causes long-term damage to actors’ careers and production companies’ profits.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Drama | Tempest (2025) |
| Main Actress | Jun Ji Hyun |
| Issue | Alleged anti-China content |
| Reaction in China | Boycotts, online criticism, negative hashtags |
| Impact | Risk to popularity, streaming bans, loss of sponsors |
Conclusion
The controversy around Tempest and Jun Ji Hyun shows how entertainment can quickly turn into a political debate. For Chinese netizens, the drama crossed cultural and political lines. For Korean fans, it is just fiction being overanalyzed. Chinese Netizens
Whatever the truth, one thing is clear: in today’s global entertainment world, cultural sensitivity matters more than ever. A single scene or line can spark international debate and affect an actor’s reputation, a drama’s success, and even relations between countries. Chinese Netizens
Jun Ji Hyun and the producers of Tempest will need to carefully respond to this criticism if they want to maintain strong international support. Chinese Netizens
FAQs
Why are Chinese netizens angry at Tempest?
Chinese viewers believe the drama includes negative and political messages against China, which they see as disrespectful.
Is Jun Ji Hyun responsible for the controversy?
Not directly. She is the actress, not the writer. But her name is linked to the drama, so her image is also affected.
Will this controversy affect the drama’s success?
Yes, especially in China. If platforms boycott or ban the drama, it could lose a large market and reduce international profits.
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